What treatments are available for excessive daytime sleepiness?

Excessive daytime sleepiness means feeling very sleepy during the day even if you had enough sleep at night. Various health conditions can cause excessive daytime sleepiness, and the treatments for these health conditions can vary. Generally speaking, treatment can include behavior changes and/or medication.

Behavior Changes That Can Improve Excessive Daytime Sleepiness:

• Having a regular bedtime and wake-up time can help.
• Avoiding caffeine and heavy meals before bed is also important.
• Regular exercise can improve sleep quality and reduce daytime sleepiness.
• More information about healthy sleep habits is available at https://sleepeducation.org/healthy-sleep/healthy-sleep-habits/
• If a healthcare provider determines that obstructive sleep apnea is the cause of excessive daytime sleepiness, the healthcare provider may recommend additional behavior changes that include using certain devices at night. More information about obstructive sleep apnea is available at https://sleepeducation.org/sleep-disorders/obstructive-sleep-apnea/.

Examples of Medications for Sleep Disorders:

• In some situations and for certain sleep disorders, a healthcare provider may prescribe medication to treat the sleep disorder and reduce daytime sleepiness. For example, if a healthcare provider determines that narcolepsy is the cause of excessive daytime sleepiness, the healthcare provider may recommend behavior changes as well as medications that help keep people awake and alert. More information about narcolepsy is available at https://sleepeducation.org/sleep-disorders/narcolepsy/.

If you are experiencing excessive daytime sleepiness, it is important to talk to a healthcare provider who can help determine the cause of your symptoms and the most appropriate treatment plan for you.